Gene Lucas replied in part: >The "standard" photomultiplier tube for astronomy is the 1P21, which is >electrically similar to the 931 tube -- but the 1P21 is MUCH quiter >(selected for very low noise). Thank you for your post. I just came in from doing some preliminary PEP observing of Algol. It seems my photometry equipment is still working properly. I had forgotten how rewarding this can be. To clarify a couple of things. The 1P21 is exactly the same as a 931A. In fact I have seen better performing 931A tubes than 1P21s (the 1P21s had probably been abused). The 1P21 is a factory selected tube. Those that don't make the cut, but are still within tolerance are stamped 931A. The 1P28 is very similar to the 1P21. It has slightly higher gain, but very much more dark current and a different window material. While it might be useable for UBV photometry with the proper filters (and that can be a problem), it would be much cheaper and more efficient just to use a 1P21. The important thing is if you want to submit or publish PEP data, it must conform to standards. With the 1P28 it will be more difficult to do that. Note: while the PMTs are vacuum tubes they are not like normal radio type tubes. There is no filament. They do not get hot and do not wear out. They are fragile and can be broken. Exposure, with HV applied, to bright light can damage them, sometimes just temporarily and sometimes permanently. Some times a tube can be rejuvenated by keeping it in the dark with HV on for a few days or weeks. As for the high voltage concern, I have to laugh at that. Unless you use a high current supply, it would be difficult to even get a tickle from them. While typical PMT HVPS produce around 1000VDC, they are very low current (1-10 mA). Typically the PMT takes only about 1-2 mA (milliamp). To feel current you must have at least around 30 mA pass through you. Touching the high voltage would likely short out the supply and reduce the voltage close to zero. The supply described in my book is very easy to build and very safe. It's also inexpensive. Anyone wishing to attempt building their own photometer and has any questions or needs any help, I'll be happy to assist. I can think of some great projects for Thad's ATM group! While Berry's CCD Cookbook was great many years ago, it is sadly outdated. You can buy a used or surplus web cam for under $20 that will be superior. The secret now is in the software. Anyone considering the CCD photometry should check the AACSO web site. http://www.aavso.org/observing/programs/ccd/ I asked before an will ask again if anyone is interesting in getting a photometry group together. If anyone would like a demonstration some evening, they are welcome to come over. Just e-mail me in advance. Jeff -- Jeff Hopkins HPO SOFT ********************************************************* Small minds speak about people * Average minds speak of events ************ Great minds speak of ideas! **************** ********************************************************* Phoenix, Arizona Atlanta, Georgia 7812 West Clayton Drive 12170 Boxwood Circle Phoenix, AZ 85033-2439 U.S.A. Alpharetta, GA 30005 U.S.A. (623) 849-5889 (Fax) (770) 619-3322 (Phone/Fax) www.hposoft.com dataman.home.mindspring.com 4th Dimension Developer FileMaker Pro Expert BASIC/C/C++ Programmer/Web Site Developer -- See message header for info on list archives or unsubscribing, and please send personal replies to the author, not the list.